I don’t know what this nest is at my place, but it doesn’t really reassure me…

That was my first thought when I saw this strange cluster on my wall—tiny white eggs, half of them already hatched, surrounded by creepy little black-and-yellow bugs.

So I did what anyone would do in a moment of panic: I Googled it.

Turns out, it’s a freshly hatched stink bug nest—those are baby stink bugs (also called nymphs) just emerging from their eggs. And while they’re small now, they can quickly grow into a real infestation if left alone.

Here are a few tips and tricks I found to prevent stink bugs from taking over your space:

1. Spot the signs early

Stink bug eggs look like small, round, translucent barrels—usually stuck in neat clusters on walls, under leaves, or near windows. If you see them, don’t ignore them.

2. Remove the eggs safely

Don’t squish them (especially the bugs!)—stink bugs release a foul odor when crushed. Instead, use a piece of cardboard or a plastic scraper to gently remove the egg cluster, then drop it into a sealed plastic bag and throw it away outside.